Expanded Helicenes: A General Synthetic Strategy and Remarkable Supramolecular and Solid-State Behavior

Boron-containing helicenes as new generation of chiral materials: opportunities and challenges of leaving the flatland

Increased interest in chiral functional dyes has stimulated activity in the field of boron-containing helicenes over the past few years. Despite the fact that the introduction of boron endows π-conjugated scaffolds with attractive electronic and optical properties, boron helicenes have long remained underdeveloped compared to other helicenes containing main group elements. The main reason was the lack of reliable synthetic protocols to access these scaffolds. The construction of boron helicenes proceeds against steric strain, and thus the methods developed for planar systems have sometimes proven ineffective in their synthesis. Recent advances in the general boron chemistry and the synthesis of strained derivatives have opened the way to a wide variety of boron-containing helicenes. Although the number of helically chiral derivatives is still limited, these compounds are currently at the forefront of emissive materials for circularly-polarized organic light-emitting diodes (CP-OLEDs). Yet the design of good emitters is not a trivial task. In this perspective, we discuss a number of requirements that must be met to provide an excellent emissive material. These include chemical and configurational stability, emission quantum yields, luminescence dissymmetry factors, and color purity. Understanding of these parameters and some structure-property relationships should aid in the rational design of superior boron helicenes. We also present the main achievements in their synthesis and point out niches in this area, e.g. stereoselective synthesis, necessary to accelerate the development of this fascinating class of compounds and to realize their potential in OLED devices and in other fields.

Expanded Azahelicenes with Large Dissymmetry Factors

Expanded azahelicenes, as heteroanalogues of helically chiral helicenes, hold significant potential for chiroptical materials. Nevertheless, their investigation and research have remained largely unexplored. Herein, we present the facile synthesis of a series of expanded azahelicenes NHn (n=1-5) consisting of 11, 19, 27, 35, and 43 fused rings, mainly by Suzuki coupling followed by Bi(OTf)3-mediated cyclization of vinyl ethers. The structures of NH2, NH3 and NH4 were confirmed through X-ray crystallography analysis, and their (P)- and (M)- enantiomers were also isolated with chiral high performance liquid chromatography. The enantiomers exhibit large absorption (abs) and luminescence (lum) dissymmetry factors, with |gabs|max=0.044; |glum|max=0.003 for NH2, |gabs|max=0.048; |glum|=0.014 for NH3, and |gabs|max=0.043; |glum|max=0.021 for NH4, which are superior to their respective all-carbon analogues.

Thiopyran-Fused Mono and Double Helicenes with Low Band Gaps via Simultaneous Ring Expansion and 6-endo Cyclizations

Mono and double helicenes (M5, M6, D5, and D6) containing six-membered thiopyran rings have been successfully prepared via simultaneous ring expansion and 6-endo cycloisomerizations from the corresponding precursors with five-membered thiophene rings. Although D5 and D6 exhibit similar chemical structures, they demonstrate completely different helical structures because of their distinct steric clashes caused by the incorporated methyl groups. Moreover, all of the thiopyran-fused helicenes exhibit broad absorption bands covering the visible and near-infrared regions.

Structure and Chiroptical Properties of Anthra[1,2-a]anthracene-1-yl Dimers as New Biaryls

Dimers of anthra[1,2-a]anthracene-1-yl units and its mesityl derivative were synthesized by Ni(0)-mediated coupling of the corresponding chloro derivatives as new biaryls. The X-ray analysis and DFT calculations revealed that two polycyclic aromatic units with nonplanar deformations took a twisted conformation about the single bond as a chiral axis. Enantiomers of the nonsubstituted compound were resolved by chiral HPLC, and the enantiopure samples showed intense Cotton effects at 321 nm in the circular dichroism (CD) spectra and emission bands at 449 nm in the circularly polarized luminescence (CPL) spectra with dissymmetry factor of |glum| 3.6×10-3. The absolute stereochemistry of this biaryl was determined by the theoretical calculation of CD spectrum by the time-dependent DFT method. The barrier to enantiomerization was determined to be 108 kJ mol-1 at 298 K. The dynamic process proceeded via a stepwise mechanism involving the helical inversion of each aromatic unit and the rotation about the biaryl axis as analyzed by the DFT calculations.

Current State of Computational Modeling of Nanohelicenes

This review considers the works that focus on various aspects of the theoretical description of nanohelicenes (other equivalent names are graphene spirals, graphene helicoid, helical graphene nanoribbon, or helical graphene)-a promising class of one-dimensional nanostructures. The intrinsic helical topology and continuous π-system lead to the manifestation of unique optical, electronic, and magnetic properties that are also highly dependent on axial and torsion strains. In this paper, it was shown that the properties of nanohelicenes are mainly associated with the peripheral modification of the nanohelicene ribbon. We have proposed a nomenclature that enables the classification of all nanohelicenes as modifications of some prototype classes.

Recent advances in n-type and ambipolar organic semiconductors and their multi-functional applications

Organic semiconductors have received broad attention and research interest due to their unique integration of semiconducting properties with structural tunability, intrinsic flexibiltiy and low cost. In order to meet the requirements of organic electronic devices and their integrated circuits, p-type, n-type and ambipolar organic semiconductors are all necessary. However, due to the limitation in both material synthesis and device fabrication, the development of n-type and ambipolar materials is quite behind that of p-type materials. Recent development in synthetic methods of organic semiconductors greatly enriches the range of n-type and ambipolar materials. Moreover, the newly developed materials with multiple functions also put forward multi-functional device applications, including some emerging research areas. In this review, we give a timely summary on these impressive advances in n-type and ambipolar organic semiconductors with a special focus on their synthesis methods and advanced materials with enhanced properties of charge carrier mobility, integration of high mobility and strong emission and thermoelectric properties. Finally, multi-functional device applications are further demonstrated as an example of these developed n-type and ambipolar materials.

Magnetic Properties of Zig-Zag-Edged Hexagonal Nanohelicenes: A Quantum Chemical Study

The atomic structure and electronic and magnetic properties of two zig-zag-edged hexagonal nanohelicenes of the second type [1.2] and [2.2] were studied by the density functional theory. These objects possess a helical periodicity and belong to the fifth family of line symmetry groups in their global energy minimum. These nanohelicenes were shown by us to be diamagnetic metals that undergo spontaneous symmetry breaking into antiferromagnetic semiconductors as a result of the Mott-Hubbard metal-insulator transition. However, under some torsional stress, a reversible transformation to a diamagnetic metal can take place, which is promising for the use of nanohelicenes in electro-magneto-mechanical nanodevices.

Expanded [23]-Helicene with Exceptional Chiroptical Properties via an Iterative Ring-Fusion Strategy

Expanded helicenes are an emerging class of helical nanocarbons composed of alternating linear and angularly fused rings, which give rise to an internal cavity and a large diameter. The latter is expected to impart exceptional chiroptical properties, but low enantiomerization free energy barriers (ΔG^‡_e) have largely precluded experimental interrogation of this prediction. Here, we report the syntheses of expanded helicenes containing 15, 19, and 23 rings on the inner helical circuit, using two iterations of an Ir-catalyzed, site-selective [2 + 2 + 2] reaction. This series of compounds displays a linear relationship between the number of rings and ΔG^‡_e. The expanded [23]-helicene, which is 7 rings longer than any known single carbohelicene and among the longest known all-carbon ladder oligomers, exhibits a ΔG^‡_e that is high enough (29.2 ± 0.1 kcal/mol at 100 °C in o-DCB) to halt enantiomerization at ambient temperature. This enabled the isolation of enantiopure samples displaying circular dichroism dissymmetry factors of ±0.056 at 428 nm, which are ≥1.7× larger than values for previously reported classical and expanded helicenes. Computational investigations suggest that this improved performance is the result of both the increased diameter and length of the [23]-helicene, providing guiding design principles for high dissymmetry molecular materials.

Physical mechanism on linear spectrum and nonlinear spectrum in double helical carbon nanomolecule-infinitene

In this work, based on density functional theory (DFT) and wave function analysis, the properties of absorption spectrum, electronic circular dichroism (ECD) spectrum and Raman spectrum of infinitene (monomer and dimer) with double helical structure are theoretically studied. The electronic excitation properties of infinitene were investigated based on the visualization method charge density difference (CDD) and transition density matrix (TDM). It is found that there is obvious intermolecular charge transfer behavior in the dimer. The electromagnetic interaction mechanism of the chirality of infinitene is explained by decomposing transition electric\magnetic dipole moments (TEDMs\TMDMs). The response of Raman spectra to excitation light of different wavelengths was calculated. Then, the electron delocalization degree and magnetic response intensity of infinitene were studied based on the magnetically induced current under external magnetic field. The interaction of infinitene with the external environment was studied by electrostatic and van der Waals potentials, and it was shown that non-polar or low-polar molecules are more inclined to be adsorbed at the groove position of infinitene. Finally, the mechanism of intermolecular interactions in dimer was investigated based on independent gradient model based on Hirshfeld partition (IMGH), Atoms-In-Molecules (AIM), and energy decomposition analysis based on forcefield (EDA-FF). And revealed that the stacking in the dimer is dominated by dispersive interactions.

Nanographenes and Graphene Nanoribbons as Multitalents of Present and Future Materials Science

As cut-outs from a graphene sheet, nanographenes (NGs) and graphene nanoribbons (GNRs) are ideal cases with which to connect the world of molecules with that of bulk carbon materials. While various top-down approaches have been developed to produce such nanostructures in high yields, in the present perspective, precision structural control is emphasized for the length, width, and edge structures of NGs and GNRs achieved by modern solution and on-surface syntheses. Their structural possibilities have been further extended from "flatland" to the three-dimensional world, where chirality and handedness are the jewels in the crown. In addition to properties exhibited at the molecular level, self-assembly and thin-film structures cannot be neglected, which emphasizes the importance of processing techniques. With the rich toolkit of chemistry in hand, NGs and GNRs can be endowed with versatile properties and functions ranging from stimulated emission to spintronics and from bioimaging to energy storage, thus demonstrating their multitalents in present and future materials science.

Substituent Effects at the 5,10-Positions of Dianilinotripyrrins on Their Dimerization Themodynamics

Control of the association behavior by the molecular design is one of the most essential benefits in artificial supramolecular systems. 1,14-Dianilinotripyrrin has recently emerged as a novel conjugated molecule which forms a double helix in non-polar solvents with the aid of multiple interstrand hydrogen bonding interactions. In this work, we investigated the substituent effects at the 5,10-positions of tripyrrin on their association thermodynamics. This study illuminated two key findings; 1) electronic tuning by the para-substituents reduce the entropic costs thereby slightly improve the association constants, and 2) ortho-substituents force the tripyrrin core to be relatively planar, which significantly decrease the association constant due to less feasible π-stacking.

Planar and Helical Dinaphthophenazines

In this study, we report the synthesis of a series of planar and helical dinaphthophenazines by cyclocondensation reactions between the newly developed 9,10-bis((triisopropylsilyl)ethynyl)anthracene-1,2-dione and different diamines. Their optoelectronic and electrochemical properties are studied by ultraviolet-visible (UV-vis) spectroscopy, fluorescence spectroscopy, cyclic voltammetry, and density functional theory calculations.

Azulene-Embedded [n]Helicenes (n=5, 6 and 7)

Azulene is a non-benzenoid aromatic building block with unique chemical structure and physicochemical properties. By using the "bottom-up" synthetic strategy, we synthesized three azulene-embedded [n]helicenes ([n]AzHs, n=5, 6 and 7), in which one terminal azulene subunit was fused with n-2 benzene rings. P- and M-enantiomers were observed in the packing diagrams of [5]-, and [6]AzHs. However, P- and M-[7]AzHs could be isolated by recrystallization of the racemic mixture. These [n]AzHs were endowed with new properties through the azulene moiety such as low-lying first electric state (S₁ ), small optical energy gap and anti-Kasha emission. [6]-, and [7]AzHs exhibit strong chiroptical responses with high absorption dissymmetry factor (g_abs ) maxima of about 0.02, which is among the highest |g_abs | values of helicenes in the visible range. These azulene-embedded [n]helicenes contribute to the non-benzenoid helicene library and allow the structure-property relationships to be better understood.

π-Expanded triple [5]helicenes bearing dibenzocoronene monoimide subunits

Two novel π-expanded triple [5]helicenes containing three dibenzocoronene monoimide subunits have been synthesized and characterized. The helicenes exhibit low-energy conformational interconversions, as supported by NMR spectra. The single-crystal X-ray analysis reveals a C₁ conformation in the solid state. Furthermore, the helicenes exhibit ambipolar transport characteristics in thin film transistors.

Doubly linked chiral phenanthrene oligomers for homogeneously π-extended helicenes with large effective conjugation length

Helically twisted conductive nanocarbon materials are applicable to optoelectronic and electromagnetic molecular devices working on the nanometer scale. Herein, we report the synthesis of per-peri-perbenzo[5]- and [9]helicenes in addition to previously reported π-extended [7]helicene. The homogeneously π-extended helicenes can be regarded as helically fused oligo-phenanthrenes. The HOMO−LUMO gap decreased significantly from 2.14 to 1.15 eV with increasing helical length, suggesting the large effective conjugation length (ECL) of the π-extended helical framework. The large ECL of π-extended helicenes is attributed to the large orbital interactions between the phenanthrene subunits at the 9- and 10-positions, which form a polyene-like electronic structure. Based on the experimental results and DFT calculations, the ultrafast decay dynamics on the sub-picosecond timescale were attributed to the low-lying conical intersection.

Helically twisted conductive nanocarbon materials are applicable to optoelectronic and electromagnetic molecular devices but the design of nanocarbons with an absorption edge in the low energy region is challenging. Here, the authors report the synthesis of a helically fused oligophenanthrenes and demonstrate an increased effective conjugation length leading to an absorption edge in the NIR region.

Conformationally flexible heterohelicenes as stimuli-controlled soft molecular springs

Structurally engineered molecules which can behave as stimuli-controlled mechanical nanomachines such as molecular shuttles, rotors, ratchets, and springs are important in several research areas, including molecular robotics, actuation, sensing, cargo transportation, etc. Helicenes, by virtue of their unique screw-type structures, were proposed as functional models for molecular springs; however, experimental realization has remained an elusive and unmet task until now, because of the lack of appropriate helicene molecules consisting of backbone-decorated dynamic architectures. Aiming to explore this unearthed direction, we present herein a novel class of modular flexible heterohelicenes with a stimuli (acid/base and light)-responsive core and peripheral modules. By applying pH (at core-embedded free imidazole sites) and light (at backbone-tethered dithienylethene units) stimuli, we demonstrate that these flexible heterohelicenes exhibit spring-like movement, with the reversible contraction/extension of the helical pitch. The uniquely functionalized structure of these molecules played a critical role in bestowing such capability, as revealed by crystallographic, spectroscopic and computational data. Careful assessment disclosed that the protonation/deprotonation-induced reversible generation and delocalization of positive charge throughout the π-conjugated helical rim switch the operative interactions between the π clouds of the terminal overlapping arene rings of the helicenes between repulsive and attractive, leading to extension/contraction of the helical pitch. On the other hand, in the case of the light stimulus, it was analyzed that the light-induced ring-closure of the photoactive dithienylethene units created a geometric distortion causing the helicenic wings to bend outward from the helicene rim, which resulted in extension of the helical pitch. The photo-assisted (or thermal) reverse ring-opening reaction converted the system to its original conformation, thus enabling the helicene molecule to display spring-like reversible extension/contraction motion. The new insights on the reversible dynamic features of this class of heterohelicenes under the influence of external stress would guide crucial design principles of helicene-based molecular springs for potential applications.

Sub-expanded flexible heterohelicenes were configured through a modular synthetic approach to experimentally demonstrate their capability of stimuli-controlled soft molecular spring-like behavior.

One-Shot Synthesis of Expanded Heterohelicene Exhibiting Narrowband Thermally Activated Delayed Fluorescence

An expanded heterohelicene consisting of three BN₂-embedded [4]helicene subunits (V-DABNA-Mes) has been synthesized by one-shot triple borylation. The key to success is the excessive use of boron tribromide in an autoclave. Based on the multiple resonance effect of three boron and six nitrogen atoms, V-DABNA-Mes exhibited a narrowband sky-blue thermally activated delayed fluorescence with a full width at half-maximum of 16 nm. The resonating π-extension minimized the singlet-triplet energy gap and enabled rapid reverse intersystem crossing with a rate constant of 4.4 × 10⁵ s^-1. The solution-processed organic light-emitting diode device, employed as an emitter, exhibited a narrowband emission at 480 nm with a high external quantum efficiency of 22.9%.

Synthesis, Structures, and Properties of Helically Fused Anthraquinones with Unusually Close Carbonyl-Carbonyl Contacts

Electron-deficient aromatic ketones consisting of three fused anthraquinone units were synthesized by oxidation of the corresponding fused anthracenes. X-ray analysis revealed that these compounds had nonplanar helical structures with unusual contacts, C=O⋅⋅⋅C=O 2.467 Å, between the inner carbonyl groups. The role of n⋅⋅⋅π* interactions in the short contacts was evaluated using a noncovalent interaction plot and natural bond orbital analysis. The dynamic process involving helical inversion was observed by the variable temperature ¹ H NMR measurement of a derivative with 2,4,6-trimethylphenyl groups, and the barrier was estimated to be 77 kJ mol^-1 . DFT calculations indicated that the helical inversion proceeded via a multistep mechanism. The characteristic spectroscopic and electrochemical data due to the electron-deficient anthraquinone units and the sterically congested carbonyl groups are discussed with the aid of DFT calculations.

Synthesis of thiophene-fused porphyrin dimers as effective π-extended helical chromophores

We synthesized thiophene-fused porphyrin dimers as effective π-extended helical chromophores. The porphyrin dimers exhibit a red-shifted absorption with the edge extending up to 1100 nm, implying strong electronic communication over the two porphyrin moieties through the thiophene-fused structure. Importantly, their racemic inversion barriers can be modulated by the central metal ions.

In-Fjord Substitution in Expanded Helicenes: Effects of the Insert on the Inversion Barrier and Helical Pitch

A series of expanded helicenes of different sizes and shapes incorporating phenyl- and biphenyl-substituents at the deepest part of their fjord have been synthesized via sequential Au-catalyzed hydroarylation of appropriately designed diynes, and their racemization barriers have been calculated employing electronic structure methods. These show that the overall profile of the inversions (energies, number of transition states and intermediates, and their relative position) is intensively affected by the interplay of steric and attractive London dispersion interactions. Hence, in-fjord substitution constitutes an additional tool to handle the mechanical properties in helicenes of uncommonly large diameter. The photochemical characterization of the newly prepared helical structures is also reported.

X-shaped thiadiazole-containing double [7]heterohelicene with strong chiroptical response and π-stacked homochiral assembly

An X-shaped double [7]heterohelicene 1 bearing four thiadiazole units is synthesized by regioselective cyclodehydrogenation. Enantiopure 1 exhibits excellent chiroptical properties with an impressive absorption dissymmetry factor of up to 0.027, as well as a compact π-stacked homochiral assembly which is unprecedented in the realm of double helicenes.

Single- and double-helices of α,α'-dibenzylaminotripyrrin: solution and solid state studies

The dimeric association of α,α'-di(benzylamino)tripyrrin in chloroform was found to be 40 times less effective than that of previously reported α,α'-dianilinotripyrrin, which, however, led us to observe the co-crystal structure of single and double helix forms. Attachment of chiral phenylethylamines on the same tripyrrin platform was also performed to induce helical chirality.

Elucidation of Diverse Solid-State Packing in a Family of Electron-Deficient Expanded Helicenes via Microcrystal Electron Diffraction (MicroED)*

Solid-state packing plays a defining role in the properties of a molecular organic material, but it is difficult to elucidate in the absence of single crystals that are suitable for X-ray diffraction. Herein, we demonstrate the coupling of divergent synthesis with microcrystal electron diffraction (MicroED) for rapid assessment of solid-state packing motifs, using a class of chiral nanocarbons-expanded helicenes-as a proof of concept. Two highly selective oxidative dearomatizations of a readily accessible helicene provided a divergent route to four electron-deficient analogues containing quinone or quinoxaline units. Crystallization efforts consistently yielded microcrystals that were unsuitable for single-crystal X-ray diffraction, but ideal for MicroED. This technique facilitated the elucidation of solid-state structures of all five compounds with <1.1 Å resolution. The otherwise-inaccessible data revealed a range of notable packing behaviors, including four different space groups, homochirality in a crystal for a helicene with an extremely low enantiomerization barrier, and nanometer scale cavities.

Construction of Helical Structures with Multiple Fused Anthracenes: Structures and Properties of Long Expanded Helicenes

Polycyclic aromatic compounds consisting of four or five fused anthracene units were synthesized by PtCl₂ -catalyzed cycloisomerization as novel long expanded helicenes. These compounds have helical structures with significant stacking of the terminal anthracene moieties at 0.33 nm interlayer distance. In the UV-vis and fluorescence spectra, the absorption and emission bands were red-shifted as the number of fused anthracene units was increased. The characteristic broad and long-lived emission bands of the long analogues are explained by the excimer-like stabilization of the excited state. These photophysical data as well as their cyclic voltammetric data are discussed on the basis of the π-conjugation and interlayer π⋅⋅⋅π interactions in the molecular structures and the molecular orbitals. The barrier and mechanism of helical inversion are also reported.

Carbo[n]helicenes Restricted to Enantiomerize: An Insight into the Design Process of Configurationally Stable Functional Chiral PAHs

The most important stereodynamic feature of carbo[n]helicenes is the interconversion of their enantiomers. The Gibbs activation energy (ΔG^≠(T)) of this process, which determines the rate of enantiomerization, dictates the configurational stability of [n]helicenes. High values of ΔG^≠(T) are required for applications of functional chiral molecules incorporating [n]helicenes or helicene substructures. This minireview provides an overview of the mechanism, recent developments, and factors affecting the enantiomerization of [n]helicenes, which will accelerate the design process of configurationally stable functional chiral molecules based on helicene substructures. Additionally, this minireview addresses the misconception and irregularities in the recent literature on how the terms “racemization” and “enantiomerization” are used as well as how the activation parameters are calculated for [n]helicenes and related compounds.

Enantioselective Synthesis of 1-Aryl Benzo[5]helicenes Using BINOL-Derived Cationic Phosphonites as Ancillary Ligands

The synthesis of unprecedented BINOL‐derived cationic phosphonites is described. Through the use of these phosphanes as ancillary ligands in Au^I catalysis, a highly regio‐ and enantioselective assembly of appropriately designed alkynes into 1‐(aryl)benzo[5]carbohelicenes is achieved. The modular synthesis of these ligands and the enhanced reactivity that they impart to Au^I‐centers after coordination have been found to be the key features that allow an optimization of the reaction conditions until the desired benzo[5]helicenes are obtained with high yield and enantioselectivity.

Extension of the Simmons-Smith reaction to metal-carbynes: efficient synthesis of metallacyclopropenes with σ-aromaticity

The Simmons-Smith reaction offers a direct route for conversion of an alkene into a cyclopropane with a zinc carbenoid as the active intermediate. Zinc carbenoids, however, have never delivered a methylene unit to substrates with metal-carbon multiple bonds. Herein, we describe this type of reaction and the construction of three-membered rings has now been applied in organometallic systems by combining classical zinc carbenoid reagents with a range of structurally and electronically diverse metal carbynes. A variety of metallacyclopropene derivatives prepared in this way represent rare examples with σ-aromaticity in an unsaturated three-membered ring. The structures of such products are supported by experimental observations and theoretical calculations.

Synthesis and assembly of extended quintulene

Quintulene, a non-graphitic cycloarene with fivefold symmetry, has remained synthetically elusive due to its high molecular strain originating from its curved structure. Here we report the construction of extended quintulene, which was unambiguously characterized by mass and NMR spectroscopy. The extended quintulene represents a naturally curved nanocarbon based on its conical molecular geometry. It undergoes dimerization in solution via π-π stacking to form a metastable, but isolable bilayer complex. Thermodynamic and kinetic characterization reveals the dimerization process as entropy-driven and following second-order kinetics with a high activation energy. These findings provide a deeper understanding of the assembly of conical nanocarbons. Comparison of optical properties of monomer and dimer points toward a H-type interlayer coupling in the dimer.

Site-selective [2 + 2 + n] cycloadditions for rapid, scalable access to alkynylated polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons

Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) are attractive synthetic building blocks for more complex conjugated nanocarbons, but their use for this purpose requires appreciable quantities of a PAH with reactive functional groups. Despite tremendous recent advances, most synthetic methods cannot satisfy these demands. Here we present a general and scalable [2 + 2 + n] (n = 1 or 2) cycloaddition strategy to access PAHs that are decorated with synthetically versatile alkynyl groups and its application to seven structurally diverse PAH ring systems (thirteen new alkynylated PAHs in total). The critical discovery is the site-selectivity of an Ir-catalyzed [2 + 2 + 2] cycloaddition, which preferentially cyclizes tethered diyne units with preservation of other (peripheral) alkynyl groups. The potential for generalization of the site-selectivity to other [2 + 2 + n] reactions is demonstrated by identification of a Cp₂Zr-mediated [2 + 2 + 1]/metallacycle transfer sequence for synthesis of an alkynylated, selenophene-annulated PAH. The new PAHs are excellent synthons for macrocyclic conjugated nanocarbons. As a proof of concept, four were subjected to alkyne metathesis catalysis to afford large, PAH-containing arylene ethylene macrocycles, which possess a range of cavity sizes reaching well into the nanometer regime. Notably, these high-yielding macrocyclizations establish that synthetically convenient pentynyl groups can be effective for metathesis since the 4-octyne byproduct is sequestered by 5 Å MS. Most importantly, this work is a demonstration of how site-selective reactions can be harnessed to rapidly build up structural complexity in a practical, scalable fashion.

An orthogonal [2 + 2 + n] cycloaddition/alkyne metathesis reaction sequence enables streamlined access to conjugated macrocyclic nanocarbons.

Helically Chiral Aromatics: The Synthesis of Helicenes by [2 + 2 + 2] Cycloisomerization of π-Electron Systems

Advanced molecular nanocarbons are now in the spotlight reflecting the basic discoveries of fullerenes, carbon nanotubes, and graphene. This research area includes also the chemistry, physics, and nanoscience of nonplanar polycyclic hydrocarbons, many of which exhibit helical chirality, such as iconic helicenes and their congeners. The combination of unique π-electron systems with the chirality phenomenon makes them highly attractive in various fields of science. Helicenes are polyaromatic compounds that are composed of all-angularly annulated benzene units, but other (hetero)cycles can also be embedded into their backbone. Even though they do not contain any stereogenic center, they are inherently chiral owing to the helical shape they adopt. Hexahelicene and higher homologues are conformationally stable within a reasonable range of temperatures and, therefore, can be obtained in an enantiopure form through a racemate resolution or asymmetric synthesis. An amazing array of synthetic methods for their preparation has been developed, but only a few of them have passed the tough scrutiny to be general, robust and practical methods such as traditional photocyclodehydrogenation of diaryl olefins and recently developed transition-metal-catalyzed [2 + 2 + 2] cycloisomerization of π-electron systems, which is discussed in this Account. Alkyne [2 + 2 + 2] cycloisomerization is a highly exergonic process and is therefore suitable for forming the strained helicene backbone, three (or more) cycles of which are closed in a single operation. The typical starting materials are aromatic triynes (optionally cyanodiynes or ynedinitriles) or tetraynes with diynes that undergo intramolecular or intermolecular cyclization, respectively, catalyzed by various complexes mainly of Ni⁰, Co^I, or Rh^I. Utilizing this synthetic methodology, various [5]-, [6]-, [7]-, [9]-, [11]-, [13]-, [16]-, [17]-, and [19]helicenes or their congeners, including functionalized derivatives, can be effectively prepared. Moreover, asymmetric synthesis (both catalytic and stoichiometric) of nonracemic helicenes has already been demonstrated. It relies on [2 + 2 + 2] cycloisomerization of centrally chiral triynes followed by an asymmetric transformation of the first order (controlled by the 1,3-allylic-type strain) or on enantioselective [2 + 2 + 2] cycloisomerization of alkynes catalyzed by chiral complexes mainly of Ni⁰ or Rh^I. Intriguingly, advanced helical architectures were formed such as the longest helicenes (up to oxa[19]helicene by closing 12 rings in a single synthetic operation) or laterally extended helicenes (e.g., pyreno[7]helicenes). Utilizing the aforementioned synthetic methodology, the tailor-made helical molecular nanocarbons are now better accessible to be applied in enantioselective catalysis, chirality sensing, spintronics (based on chirality induced spin selectivity), chiroptics (to produce circularly polarized light emission), organic/molecular electronics, or chiral single molecule devices.

Symmetric, Unsymmetrical, and Asymmetric [7]-, [10]-, and [13]Helicenes

Fully aromatic helicenes with more than one pitch-length are illustrious synthetic targets with potential applications in advanced optical devices and nano-electronics. The task of extending the length of fully conjugated helicenes past one pitch length is challenging. Now, the synthesis of a series of azaoxa[7]-, [10]-, and [13]helicenes is described. The synthesis is based on iterative oxidative furan formation between 3,6-dihydroxycarbazoles and/or 2-naphthols. The flexibility of the presented method allows the convenient and scalable synthesis of symmetric, unsymmetrical, and asymmetric homo-chiral structures. The [13]helicenes can be synthetically functionalized both at the termini and the periphery. The full range of helicenes were characterized using NMR and optical spectroscopy (UV/Vis, fluorescence, and CD) along with single-crystal X-ray crystallography. The enantiomers of the [13]helicenes are the longest optically pure helicenes isolated to date.

Bis(alkynyl)borane: A New Class of Acyclic Boron-Containing π Ligands in η5-Coordination Mode

Reactions between Rosenthal's zirconocene synthon, [Cp₂Zr(py)Me₃SiC≡CSiMe₃] (py = pyridine), and two different types of bis(alkynyl) boranes, (Me₃Si)₂NB(C≡CSiMe₃)₂ and MesB(C≡CSiMe₃)₂ (Mes = 2,4,6-trimethylphenyl), both resulting in the formation of η⁵-coordinated bis(alkynyl)borane zirconocene complexes. X-ray diffraction analysis revealed their six-membered cyclic structures featuring a boat conformation with considerable Zr-B interactions. The Zr-B bonding strength and conformational lability of the ZrC₄B ring are dependent on the π basicity of the exocyclic B substituent. These compounds represent the first examples of η⁵-coordinated acyclic boron-containing π ligands.

Advantages of Group 4 Metallocene Bis(trimethylsilyl)acetylene Complexes as Metallocene Sources Towards Other Synthetically used Systems

Active species for synthetic and catalytic applications are formed from well defined complexes or mixtures of compounds. For group 4 metallocenes, three pathways for the formation of the reactive complex fragment [Cp'2M] are known: (i) reductive mixtures and well defined complexes which are able to form the metallocene fragments either by (ii) addition or (iii) substitution reactions. In this account for each of theses systems (i)-(iii) a prominent example will be discussed in detail, (i) the Negishi reagent Cp2ZrCl2/n-BuLi, (ii) bis(η5 : η1-pentafulvene) complexes and (iii) metallocene bis(trimethylsilyl)acetylene complexes, to show the advantages and the disadvantages for each of these methods for synthetic applications. This account summarizes some main advantages of group 4 metallocene bis(trimethylsilyl)acetylene complexes as metallocene generating agents over other synthetically used systems. For each of the special purposes, all described systems have advantages as well as disadvantages. The aim of this overview is to help synthetic chemists in selecting the most effective system on the basis of [Cp'2M] (M=Ti, Zr) for synthetic or catalytic puposes.